Side project: The Dead Words

is a project created and curated by graphic designer Karen To. The idea behind the project is to rediscover dead words — words which were once part of our language but have now been omitted from the English dictionary — through the art of lettering.

What’s interesting about this project is that not only do you get to see some great examples of lettering but thanks to the accompanying definitions you also get to learn about what each of the words mean. If you’re a keen letterer you can also get involved and submit your own piece by following a few simple steps.

Before you do that though, feast your eyes on some of our favourite pieces from the project:

The Dead Words

Aretaloger (ar-ta-log-er]) n.1623-1656, braggart; one who boasts about his own accomplishments

The Dead Words

Tragematopolist (jus-soo-lent) n.1656-1658, confectioner; seller of sweets

The Dead Words

Teterrimous (tey-ter-ee-muhs) n.1704-1864, most foul

The Dead Words

Sinapistic (sin-uh-piz-tik) adj.1879-1879, consisting of mustard

The Dead Words

Senticous (sen-tee-kuhz) adj.1657-1657; prickly; thorny

The Dead Words

Sagittiferous (suh-jit-uh-fer-oh) adj.1656 -1858; bearing arrows

The Dead Words

Findible (fahyn-dee-buhl) adj.1656-1790, able to be cleft or split

The Dead Words

Scandiscope (skan-dee-skohp) n.1825 -1825; machine for cleaning chimneys

Which of these is your favourite? Do you have a similar side project? Let us know in the comments.

Sam Jones

Sam Jones

Sam Jones is a Freelance Designer whose work spans multiple disciplines such as brand identity, design for print, web design and illustration. As well as being the owner of one man design studio, Sivioco, he's also an advisor for Mostash. Feel free to follow him on Twitter @Sivioco.

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